News Summary
The family of Rayshawn Palmer, killed during a Lions tailgate event, has filed a negligence lawsuit against event organizers. The incident on September 15, 2024, involved a shooting and highlights security failures. The lawsuit names three defendants and seeks damages of at least $25,000. Incidents of violence at similar events are raised as a concern, prompting greater scrutiny of safety measures at Eastern Market. Palmer’s family emphasizes the emotional impact on their six children and calls for accountability.
Detroit
The family of Rayshawn Palmer, a 40-year-old man tragically killed during a Detroit Lions tailgate event, has filed a negligence lawsuit against the event organizers. The incident occurred on September 15, 2024, at the Eastern Market venue in Detroit, where Palmer was attending a VIP tailgate party.
The lawsuit, filed on July 31, 2025, in Wayne County Circuit Court, specifically names three parties: Eastern Market Corporation, Bullseye Event Group, and Shield Security Consultants and Protection Services. The complaint seeks at least $25,000 in damages associated with the incident, which stemmed from a fight that broke out and escalated into a shooting.
According to the family’s lawsuit, Palmer was not involved in the altercation but was trying to mediate and de-escalate the situation when he was struck by a stray bullet from an individual who drew a firearm. The altercation and subsequent shooting have been characterized as a significant failure of safety measures by the event organizers, as the complaint alleges that there was a history of violence at similar events held at Eastern Market.
Details of the Incident
The shooting incident has raised questions regarding the effectiveness of security measures in place at the event. Upon investigation, law enforcement recovered two guns, revealing that Palmer was hit by a bullet that had first struck another individual involved in the conflict. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy later described the situation as one of self-defense, indicating that the shooter perceived a threat prior to discharging the weapon.
In light of the tragic event, Eastern Market canceled a subsequent tailgate party, although they have since resumed holding events under revised safety policies intended to prevent such incidents in the future. Bullseye Event Group has stated their commitment to prioritizing security, highlighting that their event was held in an indoor shed and concluded hours before the shooting occurred. Despite these assurances, the family of Palmer maintains that sufficient preventive measures were not implemented to protect attendees.
Emotional Impact on the Family
The emotional toll on Palmer’s family has been profound. They have expressed their desire for justice and accountability, particularly emphasizing the impact of their loss on their six children, who are now left without a father. The family is advocating not only for their own relief but also for changes to ensure greater safety at future events.
Background of Eastern Market and Safety Concerns
Eastern Market has a long-standing history as a community venue, known for hosting various events throughout the year. However, incidents of violence have raised concerns over participant safety. The plaintiffs in this lawsuit argue that the defendants failed to act on their previous knowledge of violence at events, which they allege contributed to the tragic outcome of this tailgate party.
As the case progresses through the courts, it shines a spotlight on the responsibilities of event organizers in maintaining a secure and safe environment for attendees. The families affected by such tragedies often seek to prevent future occurrences by holding accountable those whose negligence contributes to avoidable violence.
As Eastern Market and the named defendants prepare their responses to the lawsuit, the family of Rayshawn Palmer continues to advocate for justice while grappling with the immense loss of their loved one.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press: Lawsuit Filed After Eastern Market Shooting
- Click on Detroit: Family Sues After Tailgate Shooting
- CBS News: Lawsuit Over Tailgate Shooting
- Detroit Lions: Potential Free Agents
- Detroit Free Press: Lions Trade Rumors
- Wikipedia: Eastern Market (Detroit)
- Google Search: Detroit Lions Tailgate Shooting
- Google Scholar: Event Security Negligence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Negligence
- Google News: Detroit Lions 2025
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
